Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspection of SMKN 1 (State Vocational High School) Purwakarta, Purwakarta Regency, West Java Province, November 9, 2023

Journalist:

Is the cost quite high, Sir? Currently, there are sugar, chili, and rice, right?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, the price of rice has been high for quite some time. Chili is the one whose price has increased significantly, but chili prices are always seasonal. During the current season, the price of chili has indeed reached around Rp100,000.

However, I see that prices of other items such as shallots, garlics, eggs, everything remains stable. There’s always something, with so many commodities, one or two might rise. But the most important thing is that we will make a serious effort, especially regarding rice, as it is our staple food. However, it hasn’t decreased drastically so far, but at least it hasn’t increased.

Journalist:

Is the increase due to social assistance (bansos), sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

What?

Journalist:

Is the increase actually because of social assistance?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

No, not because of that. It’s the opposite. Social assistance is like a market operation. By providing social assistance, the demand from the public decreases, and if demand goes down while supply remains, prices can decrease. That’s the theory. But, in reality, it hasn’t happened yet.

We have market operations, Food Prices Supply Stability program (SPHP), and 10 kilograms of rice aid for 21.3 million people. We’ve covered all grounds, but indeed, international prices for everything have increased.

Journalist:

Regarding the visit to this vocational school (SMK), how is it in terms of quality, Pak Jokowi?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

If I compare it with other vocational schools, it’s excellent. In the departments I visited, especially the machinery, I saw good arrangement and cleanliness in the workshop. The way they operate the machines is good. The only thing the lack is CNC milling, and I agreed, maybe we’ll send it tomorrow as they requested it.

Also, the automotive workshop is good for both cars and vehicles, but it’s a bit behind because they still work on conventional, combustion-engine cars. They’ve requested electric cars so tomorrow I’ll send one electric car and one electric vehicle. I want the students to follow technological trends, so vocational schools shouldn’t focus only on conventional vehicles, they should include electric ones. Tomorrow, I’ll send CNC milling, an electric car, and an electric motorcycle. I’ll send them so the students can see what’s inside.

Journalist:

Pak Jokowi, regarding the upcoming OIC Summit, what key points will be discussed?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

It hasn’t happened yet, but this OIC Summit specifically focuses on Gaza. We haven’t talked yet. However, tomorrow night, I will fly to Saudi Arabia to participate in the OIC Summit, particularly for Gaza. From there, I will fly to meet President Joe Biden. After the OIC Summit, I will convey to President Joe Biden to stop the war between Hamas and Israel. But as for the topics discussed, that will be on Saturday-Sunday.

Journalist:

Sir, when is the planned aid for Palestine, Pak President?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

It’s being prepared. Actually, many of the items are ready. We just need to make preparations. Preparations for the aircraft, preparation for the team, if the goods are ready. The enthusiasm from the people and organizations to provide aid to Palestine is very high so we need to prepare well. Perhaps in the second, third, fourth, fifth stages, we will continuously invite people to help our brothers and sisters in Palestine, especially in Gaza.

Journalist:

Regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision to dismiss Pak Anwar Usman as the Chief Justice, what is your response, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

That’s in the judicial domain. I don’t want to comment much, once again, because it’s within the judicial authority.

Journalist:

Thank you.

(AS/EP)